The Houston Texans can begin collaborating with their medical staff and, of course, Jayden Higgins, on a plan for his eventual return to action following the latest update on the second-year wide receiver.
Higgins is out for the 2026 season after tearing his ACL, which he had repaired by Dallas Cowboys team doctor Dan Cooper. The Texans placed him on injured reserve on Friday.
However, it appears that is all the youngster is working to overcome.
Texans Get Relatively Good News on Jayden Higgins
GettyJayden Higgins’ injury was straightforward, which is good news for him and the Texans.
The Texans selected Higgins with their first pick of the 2025 draft, in the second round at 34th overall. He is the first second-rounder to receive a fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. He followed a promising finish to his rookie season with an equally inspiring spring and summer.
His season ending before it began is devastating for the Texans, but there is some good news.
“Higgins I’m told has a clean ACL tear,” NFL on Prime’s James Palmer reported on X on August 22. “All other ligaments and meniscus are good, which should help recovery.”
Higgins, who turns 24 in December, finished his rookie campaign with 41 receptions for 525 yards and 6 touchdowns. His injury occurred not during a game, but during the Texans’ joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Texans will undoubtedly miss Higgins, though.
Texans See Encouraging Trend in WR Room
GettyJaylin Noel practiced again for the Texans.
Higgins’ injury is a blow. But the Texans are seeing some positive movement on that front. His former Iowa State teammate and fellow 2025 draft pick Jaylin Noel practiced on Saturday.
“Jaylin Noel (13) stacking another practice since return last week from hamstring, pinkie injuries,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson posted on X on August 22, along with a clip of the second-year pro.
The Texans remain without Tank Dell, though.
That likely sets up Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne as the Texans’ WR2 and 3, at least until Noel participates in a full-contact practice (today’s session was not padded).
They will not get Higgins back this season. However, the Texans can take some level of solace in knowing that much of their intended wide receiver corps should be back on the field together in the coming days and weeks.
New Jayden Higgins Update Provides Silver Lining for Texans